Do I Need a Nursing Chair?
Trying to decide do I need a nursing chair or not?
Then let us help you decide with this guide on do you need a nursing chair!
As you prepare for your new baby, you make a list of things you need to buy, and you might notice that many baby registry lists include a nursery glider. You might be wondering if you need a nursing chair or not.
Preparing for your baby feels overwhelming, and you have so many things you “need” to get according to everything online and all your friends. However, if you have a budget or want a more minimalistic approach to parenthood, you have to decide what is an actual necessity and what is simply nice to have.
Sometimes, those nice-to-have items are worth adding, but sometimes, they take up space. So, if you’re wondering whether or not you need a nursery chair, we put together some things you should consider before bringing one into your baby’s bedroom.
And if you love this guide on do you need a rocking chair for nursing, then make sure to check out our guide on the best nursery gliders, best bra for breastfeeding moms, and our ultimate list of baby items A to Z.
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Do I Need a Nursing Chair?
In reality, you don’t need to have a nursing chair. Compared to other items on your baby registry, a nursing chair, often called a nursery glider or simply a rocking chair, falls in the “nice to have but not necessary” category.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one!
Many things aren’t absolutely crucial to have but offer enough benefits to consider buying one for your baby’s nursery. These chairs soothe your baby with gentle movements while providing a comfortable place for you to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby.
You’ll notice several different types of nursery chairs like gliders, rockers, and recliners, and while they may have some different features, their purpose is still the same.
What are The Benefits of a Nursing Chair?
Having a nursing chair in your baby’s nursery offers some incredible benefits, which is why so many parents have one. Let’s look at a few ways these chairs help parents out with their new baby.
Feeding Time is Easier
Having a set place where you feed your baby, especially for bedtime and nap times, makes this time easier. A nursing chair gives your body the support you need, especially since all babies take a different time to feed. Some babies feed much faster than others, and you want to be comfortable during the whole time.
Rocking Soothes Your Baby
Rocking chairs have been a thing for hundreds of years, and it’s well-known that babies find the gliding, rocking motion quite soothing. So, if you need help soothing your baby to sleep, some time spent in the rocking chair is the best way to do it.
Babies Love Routines
Something true for most babies is that they love routines. Babies respond well to routines, and they will quickly learn that a nursing chair is a place where they are fed and in a calm area. In addition, they’ll start to anticipate going to bed shortly after, making it easier to get your baby to bed when they know what is coming next.
They’re Comfortable
Most chairs for breastfeeding are wider and lower than regular chairs. You’ll have more flexibility while feeding your baby, and this is quite important in the early days after giving birth. Your body often finds sitting in certain ways uncomfortable, so you’ll be able to find a comfy nursing position in these chairs.
Good Back Support
Many moms have back pain during pregnancy, and it’s not uncommon for them to experience the same discomfort during their postpartum healing period. Most nursing chairs are designed to give your back the proper support needed and reduce unnecessary pressure from bad posture.
You Can Kick Up Your Feet
Many nursing gliders come with a footrest; you need to kick your feet up sometimes and relax. Moms often have swollen feet during pregnancy and after as their body goes back to normal, so kick up those legs and enjoy some relaxation as you feed your new baby.
This GreenGaurd Gold certified swivel glider has been designed specifically with parent and baby in mind! Not only do you get great lumbar support but the 360-degree swivel allows for a smooth and gentle glide, so you’ll be comfortable no matter how you glide or swivel.
It’s safe for little fingers since the swivel construction is under the chair and not accessible by kids.
And as a plus, you'll also get an ottoman so you can kick your feet up and it comes assembled when it’s delivered!
Alternatives to a Nursing Chair
If you aren’t digging the classic nursery chair, don’t worry. You can still have a chair for feeding your baby, so consider some of these other alternatives.
- A small sofa
- An office chair
- A thickly padded dining room chair
- An armchair
- Your bed
- Ikea chairs
- A wooden rocking chair
You can always make it more feeding friendly by adding a footstool, adding a seat cushion, or using a breastfeeding pillow.
The Typical Types of Breastfeeding Chairs
When you’re shopping for nursery chairs, you’ll find that there are a few main types, and you have to decide which type works best for you.
Gliding Chair – Glider
Typically called a glider, a gliding chair doesn’t rock but instead glides with a forward and backward motion. The seat is on a track, moving smoothly and quietly. Some babies prefer this movement over the classic rocking.
Some parents prefer gliders because they’re often quieter, and many come with ottomans to put your feet up while gliding with your baby.
Rocking Chair – Rocker
Most people know about traditional rocking chairs, but modern rockers don’t look like the ones your grandmother had years ago. Instead, modern-day rockers have thick padding and arc legs for gentle rocking. It’s essential to try out these chairs if possible because some have a rough rocking motion or read plenty of reviews.
Reclining Chair
The last type of nursery chair is a recliner. They tilt at different positions, but not all rock or glide. However, they give you a comfortable place to kick up your feet and relax. If you don’t want to put the chair in the nursery, a recliner is a perfect place in your living room to feed your baby.
How to Decide if You Need a Nursing Chair
If you decide you want to have a nursing chair, remember this is an investment that should serve you throughout all of your babies. So, you want to know what factors make a difference when picking a nursery chair.
Your Budget
The first thing to consider is your budget if you buy a nursery chair yourself. Of course, never spend more than your budget, but the good thing is you typically can find something in your price range.
Available Space
One of the first things is to figure out how much available space you have in the room where you want the chair before buying one. Ensure there is enough space for the room to recline, glide, or rock without smacking into other furniture or the wall.
If you’re limited in space, gliders take up the least amount of space than a rocker or a recliner.
Safety
Parents worry about the safety of a rocking chair in a nursery since little kids could get their fingers stuck under the legs of a rocking chair. On the other hand, Gliders have safety guards to prevent pinched fingers. Many gliders also have a locking mechanism to unlock before the chair glides.
Future Use
Many nursing chairs feel like an expensive purchase, so think about how you can use this after you’re done feeding your baby at night or while rocking in the chair.
Buying a nursery chair with a modern design or fabric allows you to place it in other rooms of your house without it looking too out of place.
Later, you might place your nursery recliner in the living room, giving you a comfortable place to read. Rockers even look nice in the living room!
The Parents’ Height and Weight
You should consider your height and weight, along with anyone else, like your partner, who may use the nursery chair.
If either of you is taller, you want to make sure the chair provides enough back height to give you support, and a wider seat will accommodate bigger hips. In addition, heavier parents will need to make sure the seat is sturdy.
Ease of Cleaning
Babies tend to be messy; expect spit-ups, diaper explosions, etc. So, your nursing chair needs to be easy to clean. Ideally, the chair needs to be made with durable fabric and durable, machine-washable seat covers.
Support
Most mothers prefer a nursing chair that has good lumbar support. This protects your spine when you have to spend an extended period seated. In addition, lumbar support encourages good, healthy posture. Some chairs come with separate lumbar support pillows that you can use for added comfort whenever you sit in the chair.
This GreenGaurd Gold certified swivel glider has been designed specifically with parent and baby in mind! Not only do you get great lumbar support but the 360-degree swivel allows for a smooth and gentle glide, so you’ll be comfortable no matter how you glide or swivel.
It’s safe for little fingers since the swivel construction is under the chair and not accessible by kids.
And as a plus, you'll also get an ottoman so you can kick your feet up and it comes assembled when it’s delivered!
Final Thoughts on Do You Need a Nursing Chair
Not all parents decide they need a nursing chair, but if you want one, consider these factors and pick which type works best for you. Remember, this is an investment and worth taking the time to make the right choice.
And if you want to check out any more of our guides, we recommend checking out these guides on best baby carriers for breastfeeding, My Brest Friend vs Boppy Nursing Pillows, and how many nursing bras do I need.
